Fluid dispensing system with rotatable port assembly

ABSTRACT

A manifold port assembly includes a housing bounding a compartment and having an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports formed thereon and communicating with the compartment. A carousel bounds a plurality of fluid paths that extend therethrough from a corresponding first end to an opposing corresponding second end, at least a portion of each fluid path being spaced apart from the housing and being radially enclosed by the carousel, the carousel being rotatably disposed within the compartment of the housing so that when the first end or the second end of each fluid path is aligned with the inlet port on the housing, the other of the first end or second end of each fluid path is aligned with a corresponding different one of each of the plurality of outlet ports.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/290,282, filed Oct. 11, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/970,387, filed Aug. 19, 2013, U.S. Pat. No.9,481,477, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No.61/701,832, filed Sep. 17, 2012, which are incorporated herein byspecific reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to fluid manifold systems that can be usedfor dispensing fluid from a single fluid source to a plurality ofseparate containers and, more specifically, to manifold port assembliesof such systems.

2. The Relevant Technology

It is common in the biopharmaceutical industry to dispense sterilefluids, such as media, buffers, and reagents, from a large primarycontainer, where the fluid is prepared, into a plurality of small,disposable bags. The small bags make it easier to transport and use thefluid. The dispensing process is typically accomplished by producing abag manifold system that includes a plurality of separate discrete bagsthat are each connected by a section of tubing to a central feed line atspaced apart locations. In turn, the central feed line is connected to aprimary container.

Clamps are removably placed at defined points along the feed line andtubing to selectively control feeding of the fluid from the primarycontainer to a select bag. Once one bag is filled, the clamps aremanually adjusted to direct the dispensed fluid to a second bag. Theprocess is then repeated until all of the bags are filled. After thebags are filled, the tubing adjacent to each bag is heat sealed closedand then cut so that the filled bags can be removed from the remainderof the manifold.

Although the above manifold system functions, it is cumbersome and laborintensive. For example, most manifold systems typically contain arelatively large number of separate fill bags. These manifold systemsare labor intensive to assemble because they include a large number ofseparate tube sections that must be manually connected together to formthe manifold systems. Each connection increases the risk of a leak thatwould contaminate the sterile fluid. The manifold systems are alsounwieldy to package, transport, and position for filling. Likewise, itis labor intensive to monitor the manifold system and adjust the clampsduring the filling process.

Accordingly, what is needed in the art are fluid manifold flow systemsthat have improvements over conventional systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed withreference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings,like numerals designate like elements. Furthermore, multiple instancesof an element may each include separate letters appended to the elementnumber. For example two instances of a particular element “20” may belabeled as “20 a” and “20 b”. In that case, the element label may beused without an appended letter (e.g., “20”) to generally refer to everyinstance of the element or any one of the element; while the elementlabel will include an appended letter (e.g., “20 a”) to refer to aspecific instance of the element.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a fluid dispensing system incorporatingfeatures of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a manifold port assembly shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the manifold port assemblyshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the manifold port assembly shownin FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the manifold port assembly shownin FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the manifold port assembly shown in FIG. 2with the upper body removed and the carousel thereof in a firstposition;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the manifold port assembly shown in FIG. 6with the carousel in a second position;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the manifold port assembly shown in FIG. 6with the carousel in a third position;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the manifold port assembly shown in FIG. 6with the carousel in a fourth position; and

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the manifold port assembly shown in FIG. 6with the carousel in a fifth position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used in the specification and appended claims, directional terms,such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” “upper,”“lower,” “proximal,” “distal” and the like are used herein solely toindicate relative directions and are not otherwise intended to limit thescope of the invention or claims.

Depicted in FIG. 1 is one embodiment of a fluid dispensing system 10incorporating features of the present invention. In general, and as willbe discussed below in greater detail, fluid dispensing system 10comprises a fluid source 12 that is coupled with a fluid manifold system14. Fluid manifold system 14 comprises a manifold port assembly 16having a plurality of containers 18 coupled thereto by a plurality offluid lines 20. A motor 22 couples with manifold port assembly 16 tocontrol selective filling of discrete containers 18. The differentcomponents of fluid dispensing system 10 will now be discussed ingreater detail.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of manifold port assembly 16. As showntherein, manifold port assembly 16 comprises an annular housing 24having a carousel 26 rotatably coupled thereto. More specifically, asdepicted in FIG. 3, housing 24 comprises an encircling sidewall 30having an interior surface 32 and an exterior surface 34 that extendbetween a top edge 36 and an opposing bottom edge 38. Interior surface32 is substantially circular so as to encircle and partially bound acompartment 40. Exterior surface 34 is also shown as being circular butcan be a variety of alternative configurations. For example, exteriorsurface 34 can have a polygonal, oval, irregular, or otherconfiguration. Extending through sidewall 30 from interior surface 32 toexterior surface 34 is an inlet port 42 and a plurality of radiallyspaced apart outlet ports 44A-44F. As depicted in FIG. 8, a centrallongitudinal axis 45 is shown extending through inlet port 42. Althoughnot required, outlet ports 44A-44F are shown as being formed in pairswith each pair being symmetrically formed on sidewall 30 on opposingsides of longitudinal axis 45. For example, outlet ports 44A and 44F aresymmetrically formed on opposing sides of axis 45. Likewise, outletports 44B, 44E and 44C, 44D are symmetrically paired on sidewall 30.

Returning to FIG. 3, outwardly projecting from each port 42 and 44 is acorresponding tubular port stem 46. Each port stem 46 has a first end 48secured to sidewall 30 so as to be aligned with a corresponding port 42,44 and has an opposing second end 50 that is freely disposed. An annularbarb 52 encircles and radially outwardly projects from second end 50 ofeach port stem 46. Each port stem 46 bounds a passageway 54 thatcommunicates with a corresponding port 42, 44. As will be discussedbelow in greater detail, an annular groove 56 is formed on interiorsurface 32 of sidewall 30 and encircles each of ports 42, 44. An O-ring58 is securely received within each annular groove 56.

As depicted in FIG. 2, in general carousel 26 has a top face 62 and anopposing bottom face 64 with an encircling side surface 66 extendingtherebetween. More specifically, as depicted in FIG. 3, carousel 26comprises an upper body 68 and a lower body 70 that are selectivelycoupled together. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, upper body 68 comprisesa central base 74 having a generally cylindrical configuration thatincludes an inside face 76, top face 62 and an encircling side face 78that extends therebetween. Side face 78 has a circular transverse crosssection. An annular flange 80 encircles and radially outwardly projectsfrom side face 78 of base 74 at top face 62. Base 74 is configured sothat it can be rotatably received within compartment 40 of housing 24.When base 74 is received within compartment 40, flange 80 extends overtop edge 36 of housing 24 to assist in maintaining carousel 26 coupledwith housing 24. An annular groove 86 is recessed on side face 78 so asto encircle side face 78. An O-ring 88 or other seal is received withingroove 86. Base 74 is configured so that when base 74 is rotatablyreceived with compartment 40, O-ring 88 forms a liquid tight sealbetween base 74 and inside face 32 of housing 24. In an alternativeembodiment, groove 86 and O-ring 88 can be disposed on inside face 32 ofhousing 24.

Outwardly projecting from inside face 76 are a plurality of spaced apartmounting projections 82. Recessed on inside face 76 are three spacedapart channels 84A-C. Each channel 84 extends in a curved arch thatpasses through side face 78 at a first location and a spaced apartsecond location. The arch of each channel 84 has a differentconfiguration. Although each channel 84 is shown as having asemi-circular transverse cross section, other configurations such assemi-polygonal or semi-elliptical can also be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, lower body 70 has a configuration similar to that ofupper body 68. Specifically, lower body 70 includes a base 90 having aninside face 92, bottom face 64 and an encircling side face 94 thatextends therebetween. A groove 114 and O-ring 115 are disposed on sideface 94. An annular flange 96 encircles and radially outwardly projectsfrom side face 94 at bottom face 64. Inside face 92 has mounting pockets98 that are complimentary in location and configuration to mountingprojections 82. As such, bodies 68 and 70 can be secured together byadvancing projections 82 into pockets 98. Bodies 68 and 70 can be heldtogether by press-fit connection or through the use of an adhesive.Other fastening techniques can also be used to hold together bodies 68and 70. For example, bodies 68 and 70 can be screwed, bolted, orsnap-fit together.

Channels 100A-C are recessed on inside face 92 of base 90 and are themirror image of channels 84A-C. Accordingly, when bodies 68 and 70 aremated together, channels 84 and 100 line up to form fluid paths 102A,102B, and 102C as shown in FIG. 6. Fluid path 102A has a first end 104Aand an opposing second end 104B. Similarly, fluid path 102B has a firstend 106A and an opposing second end 106B while fluid path 102C has afirst end 108A and an opposing second end 108B. Although each fluid path102 is shown as having a circular transverse cross section, otherconfigurations such as polygonal or elliptical can also be used.

To assemble manifold port assembly 16, bases 74 and 90 are receivedwithin compartment 40 from opposing sides of housing 24. Bases 74 and 90are secured together within compartment 40 so as to form and bound fluidpaths 102A-C therebetween. Flanges 80 and 96 project over opposing edges36 and 38 of housing 24. In this configuration, carousel 26 can rotaterelative to housing 24 but flanges 80 and 96 precluded carousel 26 fromfalling out of compartment 40.

Returning to FIG. 6, each fluid path 102A-C has a corresponding centrallongitudinal axis 112A-C, respectively. Each fluid path 102 andcorresponding longitudinal axis 112 have an arched curvature with eachcurvature being different. The curvatures are configured so that eachfluid path 102 can align inlet port 42 with one of the pairs ofcomplementary outlet ports 44 as discussed above. For example, as shownin FIG. 6, carousel 26 is rotated relative to housing 24 so that inletport 42 is aligned with first end 104A of fluid path 102A and second end104B of fluid path 102A is aligned with outlet port 44A. In FIG. 7,however, carousel 26 has been rotated so that second end 104B of fluidpath 102A is aligned with inlet port 42 and first end 104A of fluid path102 is aligned with outlet port 44F. Similarly, in FIG. 8 carousel 26has been rotated relative to housing 24 so that first end 106A of fluidpath 102B is aligned with inlet port 42 while opposing second end 106Bis aligned with outlet port 44C. By again rotating carousel 26, secondend 106B of fluid path 102B can be aligned with inlet port 42 whilefirst end 106A is aligned with outlet port 44D as shown in FIG. 9.Likewise, carousel 26 can be rotated so that fluid path 102C providesfluid communication between inlet port 42 and outlet port 44E as shownin FIG. 10 and between inlet port 42 and outlet port 44B. In each of thedifferent rotated positions, O-rings 58 (FIG. 3) effect a sealedengagement between the port 40, 42 and the end of the correspondingfluid path 102.

In the depicted embodiment, fluid paths 102 are shown as having a smootharched curvature and a circular cross section so as to minimizeturbulence and sheering forces that could be applied to cells ormicroorganisms within the fluid being transferred. In other embodiments,however, fluid paths 102 can be formed with one or more discrete anglesas opposed to a continuous arch.

In one embodiment on the present invention, means are provided forcoupling a drive shaft to carousel 26 for select rotation of carousel 26relative to housing 24. By way of example and not by limitation,depicted in FIG. 5 is a socket 110 that is centrally formed on bottomface 64 of carousel 26. Socket 110 is depicted as having a squaretransverse cross sectional configuration so that it can receive andengage the end of a drive shaft having a complementary configuration.Once coupled together, rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotationof carousel 26. In alternative embodiments, socket 110 can have apolygonal, elliptical, irregular, or other non-circular transverse crosssectional configuration that can engage the end of a drive shaft. Instill other embodiments of the means for coupling, socket 110 can bereplaced with a stem outwardly projecting from bottom face 64 and havinga polygonal, elliptical, irregular, or other non-circular transversecross sectional configuration. A socket disposed on the end of a driveshaft can engage the stem for selective rotation of carousel 26. Instill other embodiments, it is appreciated that socket 110 can bereplaced with a threaded opening, fasteners, clamps, and any other typeof conventional connector that can be used for connecting a drive shaftto carousel 26.

It is appreciated that the depicted manifold port assembly 16 is onlyone embodiment of how the port assembly can be configured and that inaddition to the alternative embodiments as previously discussed,manifold port assembly 16 can have a variety of other configurations. Byway of example and not by limitation, in the depicted embodiment portstems 46 (FIG. 3) are either integrally formed as a unitary structurewith sidewall 30 or are rigidly fixed to sidewall 30 such as by weldingor an adhesive. In alternative embodiments, ports stems 46 can bereplaced with a socket or other type of connector to which a fluid linecan be selectively coupled. Likewise, in contrast to having sidewall 30of housing 24 form a continuous circle, interior surface 32 of sidewall30 can be C-shaped or U-shaped and thus not a continuous circle.Furthermore, bases 74 and 90 of carousel 26 can be integrally formed asa single unitary structure having fluid paths 102 extendingtherethrough. In this embodiment, one of flanges 80 or 96 can beremovably attached to the remainder of carousel 26 for selectiveretention on housing 24. In this embodiment, O-rings 58 could be securedon carousel 26 as opposed to housing 24 so as to circle the opposingopenings of each fluid path 102. It is also appreciated that flanges 80and 96 need not completely encircle carousel 26 and that the flanges canbe replaced with other structures that are either permanently orremovably attached to the central base portions for retention to housing24.

In still other embodiments, it is appreciated that manifold portassembly 16 can be formed with any desired number of outlet ports 44 andcorresponding fluid paths 102. For example, carousel 26 can be formedwith one, two, four, five, six or more fluid paths 102. In contrast tobeing arched, one or more of fluid paths 102 can be linear or have otherconfigurations as long as the opposing ends are properly positioned.Fluid paths 102 can be configured to couple with only one outlet port 44or with a pair of outlet ports 44 as depicted and discussed above. Assuch, housing 24 can be formed with two, three, four, five, seven,eight, nine, ten, or more outlet ports 44.

Although manifold port assembly 16 can be made of any sterilizablematerial, manifold port assembly 16 is typically designed as adisposable, single use item. It is likewise desirable to form manifoldport assembly 16 out of a material having a relatively low coefficientof friction so that smooth rotation can be formed between carousel 26and housing 24. By way of example and not by limitation, manifold portassembly 16 is typically comprised of a polymeric material such aspolypropylene. Other materials can also be used.

As previously discussed, flow manifold system 14 comprises manifold portassembly 16 coupled with containers 18 by fluid lines 20 as depicted inFIG. 1. Containers 18 can comprise rigid containers, semi-rigidcontainers (such as plastic bottles), or collapsible bags. Thecollapsible bags can be either two dimensional pillow style bags orthree dimensional bags that are each formed from one or more polymericsheets that are welded together. The polymeric sheets can be comprisedof a flexible, water impermeable material such as low-densitypolyethylene or other polymeric sheets having a thickness in a rangebetween about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm with about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm beingmore common. Other thicknesses can also be used. The material can becomprised of a single ply material or can comprise two or more layerswhich are either sealed together or separated to form a double wallcontainer. Where the layers are sealed together, the material cancomprise a laminated or extruded material. The laminated materialcomprises two or more separately formed layers that are subsequentlysecured together by an adhesive. Examples of extruded material that canbe used in the present invention include the HyQ CX3-9 and HyQ CX5-14films available from HyClone Laboratories, Inc. out of Logan, Utah. Thematerial can be approved for direct contact with living cells and becapable of maintaining a solution sterile. In such an embodiment, thematerial can also be sterilizable such as by ionizing radiation. Thecollapsible bags are typically designed to hold a volume in a rangebetween about 10 liters to about 200 liters with about 20 liters toabout 100 liters being more common. Other volumes can also be used.

Fluid lines 20 typically comprise flexible tubing that is comprised of apolymeric material. Alternatively, fluid lines 20 can be rigid orsemi-rigid. Each fluid line 20 has a first end 120 that is received overa corresponding port stem 46 so as to be in sealed fluid communicationwith a corresponding outlet port 44. Each fluid line 20 also has anopposing second end 122 that is fluid coupled with a correspondingcontainer 18 using conventional methods.

Flow manifold system 14 also typically comprises a fluid line 124 havinga first end 126 coupled with the port stem 46 aligned with inlet port42. Fluid line 124 also has an opposing second end 128 coupled with aconnector 130. In the embodiment depicted, connector 130 comprises anaseptic connector such as the KLEENPACK® sterile connector produced bythe Pall Corporation. One embodiment of the KLEENPACK® sterile connectoris disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,655 which is incorporated herein byspecific reference. Aseptic connectors enable the formation of sterilefluid connections between two fluid lines in a non-sterile environment.Aseptic connector 130 comprises a first connector portion 132 that isfluid coupled with second end 128 of fluid line 124 and a secondconnector portion 134 that is connected to an end of a fluid line 136extending from fluid source 12. Portions 132 and 134, which can comprisecomplementary male and female connectors, can be selectively connectedtogether to form a sterile fluid connection therebetween.

First connector portion 132 is sealed closed when connected to fluidline 124 and remains so until used. As a result, once fluid manifoldsystem 14 is assembled, the area within fluid manifold system 14 issealed closed. This enables fluid manifold system 14 to be fullyassembled and then sterilized prior to use as a complete assembly. Inalternative embodiments, connector 130 need not be an aseptic connectorbut can be any form of a non-aseptic connector that is sealed closedprior to use. As the time of use, the connection is made within asterile environment to form a sterile fluid connection.

Continuing with FIG. 1, fluid source 12 can comprise a rigid containersuch as a stainless steel tank, a semi-rigid container such as a plasticbarrel, or can comprise a collapsible bag that is housed within a rigidsupport housing. The collapsible bag for fluid source 12 can comprise atwo or three dimensional bag formed from the same materials and processas discussed above with regard to containers 18. The collapsible bag forfluid source 12 can typically hold a volume of fluid in a range betweenabout 50 liters to about 10,000 liters and can typically hold more than400 liters, 900 liters or 1,400 liters. Fluid source 12 can comprise abioreactor, fermentor, mixer or just a container. The container forfluid source 12 can be a closed sterile container or an open non-sterilecontainer. Examples of fluid mixing systems that can be used as fluidsource 12 are disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2011/0310696 whichis incorporated herein by specific reference.

Fluid line 136 has a first end 138 that is fluid coupled with fluidsource 12. First end 138 is typically coupled to the floor or lower endof the container forming fluid source 12 so that the fluid can flowunder gravitational force through fluid line 138 and into flow manifoldsystem 14. A valve 142, such as a clamp or other type of conventionalmanual or electrical valve, can be coupled with fluid line 136 tocontrol the flow of fluid therethrough. In an alternative embodiment,first end 138 of fluid line can extend into the container of fluidsource 12 through an upper end of the container. In this embodiment, apump 143 can be used to dispense fluid out of fluid source 12. The fluidwithin fluid source 12 can be any sterile or non-sterile fluids.Examples of common fluids that can be used in the biopharmaceuticalindustry include media, buffers, reagents, cell or microorganismcultures, deionized water and the like. However, the present inventioncan also be used with other fluids such as chemicals, food products, andother processed fluids.

Also depicted in FIG. 1 is a drive shaft 144 having a first end 146coupled to carousel 26 of manifold port assembly 16. The engagement canbe by way of socket 110 as previously discussed with regard to FIG. 5.Drive shaft 144 also has an opposing second end 148 that couples withmotor 22. Motor 22 can comprise a stepper motor or any other type ofmotor or drive mechanism that can be used for selectively rotating driveshaft 144 which in turn rotates carousel 26.

Finally, FIG. 1 also shows a support identified by dash lines 150.Support 150 is designed to retain housing 24 in a fixed position whilecarousel 26 is rotated relative thereto. Support 150 can comprise aclamp, fastener, or any other type of structure that can engage withhousing 24 for retaining housing 24 relative to carousel 26. Support 150would typically be mounted on a table, stand, or other movable or fixedstructure.

During operation, either before or after the fluid has been preparedwithin fluid source 12, fluid manifold system 14 is fluid coupled withfluid source 12 by coupling first connector portion 132 with secondconnector portion 134. Drive shaft 144 is also coupled with carousel 26and housing 24 is secured to support 150. In this configuration, motor22 can be activated to rotate carousel 26 so that inlet port 42 is fluidcoupled with an outlet port 44 that is fluid coupled with acorresponding container 18. Fluid from fluid source 12 can then passthrough fluid line 136 and the corresponding open channel formed influid manifold system 16 so that the fluid can fill the correspondingcontainer 18. Once the container 18 is filled to a desired level,carousel 26 can be rotated so that inlet port 42 is align with a secondoutlet port 44 which is fluid coupled with a second container 18. Valve142 can be temporarily closed or pump 143 can be temporally stoppedwhile carousel 26 is being rotated to the second position. This processcan then be repeated until all of containers 18 are filled. Fluid lines20 can then be heat sealed at a location close of containers 18 and thencut so as to permit the removal of containers 18.

Containers 18 can be filled to a desired volume by visual inspection.Alternatively, the filling process can be automated by filling acontainer 18 at a specific flow rate for a specific time. In anotherautomated process, containers 18 can be weighed during filling with thefluid flow stopping once a container 18 has achieved a predeterminedweight. For example, an electronic control unit 160 can be electricallycoupled with motor 122, valve 144 and/or pump 143, and a plurality ofscales 162A-C on which containers 18A-C are resting, respectively. Theelectronic control unit 160 automatically controls the opening of afluid path from fluid source 12 to an identified container 18 bycontrolling motor 22 which controls the movement of carousel 26. Once acorresponding scale 162 senses that a container 18 has been filled to adesired weight, electronic control unit 160 stops the fluid flow, suchas by closing valve 142, and then rotates carousel 26 for filling thenext container 18 with fluid. The process is then repeated until all ofthe containers 18 are filled.

The inventive fluid manifold system 14 achieves a number of benefitsover the known prior art systems. For example, by using manifold portassembly 16, the size, complexity, number of parts, and number of fluidconnections of the manifold system is reduced relative to conventionalmanifold systems. As such, the inventive manifold system is easier toproduce, easier to manipulate, requires less space for packaging andstoring and there is a lower chance for leaking and fluid contamination.Furthermore, in contrast to having to manually clamp off separate linesto selectively fill different containers, manifold port assembly 16permits automated filling of the separate containers. As such, theinventive system is less labor intensive to build and less laborintensive to operate.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A manifold port assembly comprising: a housingbounding a compartment and having an inlet port and a plurality ofoutlet ports formed thereon and communicating with the compartment; anda carousel bounding a plurality of fluid paths that extend therethroughfrom a corresponding first end to an opposing corresponding second end,at least a portion of each fluid path being spaced apart from thehousing and being radially enclosed by the carousel, the carousel beingrotatably disposed within the compartment of the housing so that whenthe first end or the second end of each fluid path is aligned with theinlet port on the housing, the other of the first end or second end ofeach fluid path is aligned with a corresponding different one of each ofthe plurality of outlet ports.
 2. The manifold port assembly as recitedin claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an annular sidewall thatencircles the compartment, the inlet port and the plurality of outletports each extending through the sidewall at spaced apart locations. 3.The manifold port assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the housingfurther comprises a plurality of tubular port stems, each port stembeing coupled with a corresponding outlet port so as to outwardlyproject from the sidewall.
 4. The manifold port assembly as recited inclaim 1, wherein the carousel comprises an upper body and a lower bodythat are coupled together and that bound the plurality of fluid pathstherebetween.
 5. The manifold port assembly as recited in claim 1,further comprising a drive assembly coupled to carousel for selectiverotation of the carousel relative to the housing.
 6. A fluid dispensingsystem comprising: the manifold port assembly as recited in claim 1; anda fluid source fluidically coupled with the inlet port of the manifoldport assembly.
 7. The fluid dispensing system as recited in claim 6,wherein the fluid source comprises a bioreactor or fermentor.
 8. Thefluid dispensing system as recited in claim 6, further comprising asterile fluid housed within the fluid source.
 9. The fluid dispensingsystem as recited in claim 6, further comprising a plurality ofcontainers, each of the plurality of containers being fluidicallycoupled with a select one of the outlet ports of the manifold portassembly.
 10. The fluid dispensing system as recited in claim 9, furthercomprising: a primary fluid line extending between the fluid source andthe inlet port; and a plurality of secondary fluid lines, each of theplurality of secondary fluid lines extending between a select one of theoutlet ports and a select one of the plurality of containers.
 11. Afluid dispensing system comprising: the manifold port assembly asrecited in claim 1; and a plurality of containers, each of the pluralityof containers being fluidically coupled with a select one of the outletports of the manifold port assembly.
 12. The fluid dispensing system asrecited in claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of containerscomprises a collapsible bag.
 13. The fluid dispensing system as recitedin claim 11, further comprising a plurality of weight scales, each ofthe plurality of containers being supported on a separate one of theweight scales.
 14. A manifold port assembly comprising: a housingbounding a compartment and having an inlet port and a plurality ofoutlet ports formed thereon and communicating with the compartment; anda carousel bounding a plurality of fluid paths that extend therethroughfrom a corresponding first end to an opposing corresponding second end,each of the plurality of fluid paths having a curvature along a lengththereof with the curvature of each fluid path being different, at leasta portion of each fluid path being spaced apart from the housing andbeing radially enclosed by the carousel, the carousel being rotatablydisposed within the compartment of the housing so that when the firstend of each fluid path is aligned with the inlet port on the housing,the second end of each fluid path is aligned with a correspondingdifferent one of the plurality of outlet ports.
 15. The manifold portassembly as recited in claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of fluidpaths extending through the carousel has a different length.
 16. A fluiddispensing system comprising: the manifold port assembly as recited inclaim 14; and a fluid source; a primary fluid line extending from thefluid source to the inlet port of the manifold port assembly; aplurality of containers; and a plurality of secondary fluid lines, eachsecondary fluid line extending from a select one of the outlet ports ofthe manifold port assembly to a select one of the plurality ofcontainers.
 17. The fluid dispensing system as recited in claim 16,wherein the manifold port assembly, primary fluid line, plurality ofcontainers, and plurality of secondary fluid lines are sterilized as anassembled unit.
 18. The fluid dispensing system as recited in claim 16,wherein each of the plurality of containers comprises a collapsible bagformed from a polymeric film.
 19. The fluid dispensing system as recitedin claim 16, further comprising: a pump that delivers fluid from thefluid source to the manifold port assembly; an electronic control unitbeing electrically coupled with the pump.
 20. The fluid dispensingsystem as recited in claim 19, further comprising: a plurality of weightscales, each of the plurality of containers being supported on aseparate one of the plurality of weight scales; and the electroniccontrol unit being electrically coupled with each of the plurality ofweight scales.